About Us
The Democratic Youth National Organization (DYNO) began as nine high school and college students in a New Jersey Burger King. DYNO is a nonprofit organization run by these young people, who are addressing progressive issues, while actively engaging in the democratic process. Through grassroots organizing, we believe that by combining young voices and raising important issues to our state representatives, changes can be made in our government, and America can grow in a more positive and productive direction.
Our Mission
Our mission is to motivate young people to become actively involved in the democratic process and empower them to confidently voice their views on political issues in order to build a smarter, stronger America. Through the process, members will look towards the average American as a resource for understanding leadership, community, and current issues.
Accomplishing Our Goals
We aim to accomplish these goals through the following actions:
- Attending local political party meetings to voice issues.
- Endorsing and campaigning for progressively-minded candidates running for office.
- Encouraging members of DYNO to contact their elected officials about progressive issues.
- Organizing absentee voting for youths away at college and reminding members in the area to vote for local progressive candidates.
- Offering online tools and using the DYNO website to organize grassroots rallies, meetings, and house parties.
- Registering voters, campaigning door to door, phone banking, and providing transportation to voting booths during elections and referendums.
Our Future Goals
Our future goals include having our voices heard at an annual County Student Summit, held in all of the counties in New Jersey, with the respective Board of Chosen Freeholders. With our representation, we hope that our views will be voiced to important government officials through presentation of proposals and possible resolutions addressing local, state, and national issues. Also, impartial voting simulations of candidates will be held to give site-goers a chance to show their support and give a clear sign of just whom young New Jerseyans support. Additionally, ongoing polls of local as well as national issues will be held to provide a direct and accurate indication of what young New Jerseyans value and for elected officials to quickly gauge what young people of New Jersey think and value.
We hope our website will provide a positive medium for all members to collaborate on issues our country faces and offer a place for brainstorming to turn into action.
Executive Committee Members
- Simon Li, Chairman & Founder
- Smeeta Das, Vice-Chairwoman
- Brian Kennedy, Secretary
- Shuran Fan, Webmaster
- Aaron Cohen, Policy Director
- Chris Corbo, Education Policy Co-Director
- Davis Cheng, Education Policy Co-Director
- Nick Shah, Healthcare Policy Co-Director
- Venu Pothula, Healthcare Policy Co-Director
- Charles Ferrer, Environmental Policy Director
- Ronald Kulwatdanaporn, Fundraising Director
- Victor Samarakone, Advisor
- Don Springer, Advisor